December 13, 2004 - City Council Meeting

City of Central Falls

City Council Meeting

City Hall Council Chambers

1.  Roll Call

Councilman Silva

Councilman Leger

Councilman Benson

Councilman Weber

Quorum present.

2.  Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Robert F. Weber, Jr. presided and led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.  Discussion

Informational Discussion of the proposed sale of the Central Falls Water System to the Pawtucket Water Supply Board.

Mayor Moreau introduced Mr. Joseph Keough, legal counsel for the Pawtucket Water Supply Board and Pamela Marchand, Engineer for the Board.

Mr. Keough gave a brief overview of the discussions that have taken place between the PWSB and the City. He stated that the City owns the pipes and Pawtucket the water. He said that for many years there have been talks about unifying the two systems. He commented on the PUC and their involvement with rates. Mr. Keough commented on past negotiations, the new EPA regulations and the future of the system. Mr. Keough spoke on the City and the PWSB's past court actions, the arbitration clause, Judge Silverstein's role in the actions and the settlement between the City and Board.

He spoke on the PUC and the rate increase that the PWSB would be asking for shortly. He also stated that before that happens it must be decided whether the City system would be separated from the PWSB or not. He also gave a brief overview on what that would mean for the City.  He stated that if the City's purchases water, a City Water Board would have to be established and the expense that would create for the City. He also stated that since a new administration and a new solicitor have come on board discussions have been more productive than over the past few years and that there is a chance the two entities can come to an agreement.

Pamela Marchand gave an overview of the condition of the City's pipes, the new treatment facility and the new EPA regulations. She stated that the City's pipes are very poor and that about 2/3rds or 3/4qts have to be replaced. She also stated that well over half of the one hundred hydrants in the City must be replaced along with valves and connections of which some are made of cast iron. She estimated the cost of these repairs to be about $10 million.

Councilman Leger questioned at what point did the process start and when was the appraisal done.

Pam Marchand stated that the PWSB commissioned appraisal and that the PUC represents the rate payers in this process. She explained that there is a CDM value or approach minus the original cost which represents the net deprecation. She stated that this process confirmed that the value is considerably less than the 1997 infrastructure study done by Sigmund.  She commented on replacement as it relates to total depreciation.  She stated that the issue between the City and the PWSB has always been over the value. She commented on the improvements and the position of the PWSB.

Mayor Moreau commented that the City and PWSB is still in negotiations and there are many issues that have to be discussed. He spoke of the cost of separating the 2 systems, the purchase of water and the billing and upkeep of owning its own system.

Councilman Benson questioned Ms. Marchand on bypassing the system.

Ms. Marchand stated that the City would have to cut pipes on both sides. She said the PWSB does own some of the larger mains in Central Falls. She stated that several areas would be metered and the City would have to pay just as Cumberland and parts of Woonsocket.  Central Falls would become a customer.

Mayor Moreau asked Pam to explain the water quality and the EPA.

Pam spoke of better water treatment disinfection by products other than chlorine but cannot use them on the City's present system because of the rust in the distribution system.

Mayor Moreau recapped the issues and what litigation has cost in the issue. He stated that the City has spent over a million dollars litigating the issue instead of repairing the pipes.

Councilman Leger echoed the Mayor's comments and stated that instead of improving the system the City has spent a great deal of money making outside attorneys rich. 

Council President Weber stated that the Administration and City Council working together to get this done fairly soon for the taxpayers of the City. He also thanked Mr. Keough and Ms. Marchand for taking the time to update the Council and public on this issue.

4.  Minutes

5.  Correspondences

Colonel Joseph P. Moran III re: Dexter Food Mart-528 Dexter St.

6.  City Officers Reports

a)  Code Enforcement November 2004

7.  Department Head verbal report

Joseph Nield - Public Works Director

Mr. Nield gave an overview of the resurfacing program that took place over the summer he also commented on the sidewalk resurfacing. He stated that his department was not able to resurface as many sidewalks as they had hoped and that he would probably put that work out to bid next spring.

The Director commented on the status of the renovation to the PWD facility and stated that he hoped to have the renovations completed by spring of 2006.

Mr. Nield related that when he was first appointed the Director of Public Works it was brought to his attention the terrible condition of traffic signs and signals. He stated that cross walks need painting, dividing lines needed to be drawn and direction arrows on Fales Street, Broad & Cross and Higginson and Lonsdale were non-existent and posed a serious safety concern. To rectify the problems new signs have been installed, crosswalks and safety arrows have been painted and a new traffic signal has been installed on Broad Street.

Mr. Nield also reported on the progress of the City's takeover of trash and recycling collection.

He reported that all the trucks have been received and that the takeover has had a major impact on productivity. He stated that tipping fees are down and recycling is up. He also commented that the City is the best improved for recycling in the state.

He spoke on grants and other related cost saving measures and procurement of equipment.

Elizabeth Crowley - City Clerk/Purchasing Agent

The City Clerk thanked the Council for allowing her time to give and overview of the activities of the Clerks Office.

She stated that as of January 1, 2004 to December 13, 2004 the clerk's office collected over $557,000 in revenue. She stated that about $300,000 of that amount represented real estate recordings and tax stamps. Approximately $90,000 represented licenses and the remainder vital records. She informed the Council of the new technology being proposed where e-recordings and on-line title examination will be available about mid 2005.

The Clerk also commented on the Purchasing that has taken place through 2004. In addition to ordering for the everyday operation of office supplies, printing etc. She also commented on the major purchases, the preparation involved and the time spent investigating each purchase.

The City Clerk's Office is also responsible for City Property and Building maintenance. She commented on the needs of the buildings and the time spent on contacts and follow-ups as it applies to building maintenance.

She spoke of the recent licensing renewal period and the many steps taken by the Office and staff regarding each license. She reported that the City has 187 licensed businesses and many of them require more than one license. She related the steps necessary each business must undertake before receiving the license and the work involved when assisting each licensed business. She commented on the numerous telephone calls and follow-up letters issued by the Office to accommodate the licensee.

8.  Mayor's Appointment

Director of Planning & Economic Development

Arthur Hanson

120 Lauriston St.

Providence, R.I.

Mayor Moreau introduced Mr. Hanson.

Council President Weber asked Mr. Hanson to give a brief profile on his history relative to Planning.

Mr. Hanson commented on his educational background as well as his experience in the Providence Planning Department. He stated that he looks forward to working in Central Falls.

He also commented on the Comprehensive Plan that will need revisions as per state law.

Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson and Councilman Silva.

Councilman Silva

Councilman Leger

Councilman Benson

Councilman Weber

Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.

Zoning Board

Normand Deguilio

61 Cottage St.

Term to expire Jan. 2008

(replacing the unexpired term of Joseph Azar)

Mr. Deguilio stated that he previously served on the Planning Board and the Historic District Commission.

Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.

Councilman Silva

Councilman Leger

Councilman Benson

Councilman Weber

Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.

Council President Weber recessed the Meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m.

Council President Weber noted for the record that Councilman Patino has joined the meeting.

9.  Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Moreau commented on his freshman year in Office and spoke of the co-operation of the Department Heads and the amount of work that has been accomplished by City Department Heads and their staff.

He commented on the Higginson Avenue project and the delay caused by DEM.

He stated that the Detention Facility expansion project is on its way. He talked about the City's resuming the trash and recycling programs, the hiring of city residents to perform those duties and the hiring of five new police officers, four from Central Falls.

He spoke of interviews with candidates for the fire department and the negotiations with the Water Supply Board for the takeover of the water system. He thanked the City Council and his Department Heads for working together to accomplish these ends and he stated that he looked forward to continue working with the City Council for the good of all residents.

Mayor Moreau also spoke briefly about the School System and he assured the taxpayers that the City would not pay any taxpayer money to fix what the school department should address.

He also stated for the record that he is not driving a new sports car. He stated that the car he is driving is a 2001 Mercury Sable belonging to the Chief of Police.

10.  Licenses

General Service Licenses

Jose A. Medina (new)

d/b/a Multi Service Guate

525 Dexter St.

Central Falls, R.I. 02863

Retail Sales Licenses

Cruise Carpets Inc. (renewal)

736 Dexter St.

Automotive Repair

Carlos Correia (renewal)

d/b/a Holiday Auto Inc.

1295 High St.

C Variety Store (New)

Carolina Market

498 Hunt St.

11.  Special Permission

Bruce A. Gagnon

101 Sacred Heart Ave.

Tabled 11/29 meeting

12.  Claim

Adriana Brena for injuries sustained in accident with city vehicle on or about 6/4/04.

Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.  All Agreed. So Voted.

13.  Public Comments

Chief Coutu addressed the Council regarding the Resolutions related to the Mitigation Plan. He stated that Central Falls is one of the last communities to complete the plan. He explained the need for the plan. He said it will help the City when applying for disaster money and other federal and state grants. He asked the Council to support the Resolutions. He also commented that a room in the new public works facility would be set up to serve as a Mitigation Committee Office and conference room.

14.  Resolutions

1.  Extending Best Wishes of the Central Falls City Council to Cumberland Town Clerk S. Jean Simoneau on the occasion of her Retirement. (Introduced by Council President Weber)

2.  Extending Best Wishes & Congratulations of the Central Falls City Council to the former East Providence City Clerk Valerie Perry on her election to the East Providence City Council. (Introduced by Council President Weber)

3.  Extending Best Wishes and Congratulations of the Central Falls City Council to the former Town Clerk of Bristol on her election as Town Administrator of the Town of Bristol. (Introduced by Council President Weber)

Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger.

All Agreed. So Voted.

4.  Resolution Establishing a Natural Hazard Mitigation Committee (Introduced by Councilman Leger at the request of Chief Coutu)

15.  Ordinances

First Passage

Public Hearing/Final Passage

16.  Discussion

17.  Unfinished Business

Councilman Leger commented on School Issues. He stated that he was disturbed by a phone call he received regarding the School Department placing $500,000 as a revenue source from the City of Central Falls.

He commented on Representative Faria and asked that the City's representation in the General Assembly should be telling the City what's going on regarding this issue.

He asked Mayor Moreau to get the information from the source and asked if he would report back to the Council on this issue.

Mayor Moreau stated that he has not been approached by the Department of Education. He further stated that the City is not financing this over expenditure.  He stated that the School District is run by the State.

Councilman Leger asked that the City's Finance Director be present at the January meeting to address this issue.

Councilman Leger stated that Rep. Faria should be asking the State for money not the other way around. He stated that the School Department's special need students represents 35% of the school district and that it is costing the District.

Councilman Leger also commented on the Ordinance Committee and stated that the Council is making that committee more powerful than the Council. He said he is not comfortable with making a committee more powerful than the main body.

Councilman Benson stated that it is not the intent of the Committee to prohibit ordinances from making the Agenda.

Council President Weber stated that the intent of the committee is to do the housekeeping relative to the language and text of the Ordinance, to pass it through legal and any other area for recommendation to the Council.

Councilman Patino stated that to bring an Ordinance before the Committee is to avoid mistakes.

Councilman Leger asked that Legal state whether the Council President has the authority to establish new committees.

Council President Weber stated that all Ordinances should first come before the Council for introduction, go to committee for review and then be place on the agenda for first passage.

Councilman Leger stated that is what is wrong with the process. He suggested that it be introduced and send to committee on the day it's introduced for recommendations prior to the next regular meeting.

Council President Weber stated he would meet with the Clerk to establish rules for the Committee to review and recommend.

19.  Adjourn

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.

All Agreed. SoVoted.  Time 9:56 p.m.

___________________________

Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC

City Clerk